Low profile electrical device cover

ABSTRACT

An electrical outlet cover assembly having a base and a lid is disclosed. The base comprises a first base hinge aperture, and the lid comprises a first lid hinge aperture. The lid is hingedly coupled to the base by at least a first pin. The first pin is rotatably coupled to one of the first lid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture, and rotationally fixed with respect to the other of the first lid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture. The lid is biased from an open position to a closed position by a rotational bias from a bias element that is mechanically engaged with an end of the first pin and with an anchor rotationally fixed with respect to one of the lid and the base. The first pin may include teeth and is rotationally fixed with respect to complementary teeth of a hinge aperture.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patentapplication Ser. No. 15/461,340, filed Mar. 16, 2017 titled “Low ProfileElectrical Device Cover,” which application claims the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application 62/309,066, filed Mar. 16, 2016 titled“Enclosure,” the entirety of the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to electrical device covers.

BACKGROUND

Enclosures for electrical devices and outlets, particularly low profileenclosures with lightweight lids, often employ a spring-loaded hinge tokeep the lids closed when not in use. Without the biased hinge, thelighter lids are subject to being blown open by the wind, or to remainslightly open thereby exposing the electrical outlet to the weather.

The utility of the spring-loaded hinge is balanced against a number ofdrawbacks. Many of the conventional enclosures only allow the lid to beopen to approximately 70° to 135° above closed, in part due to the bulkof the spring-loaded hinge. The springs included in these enclosures canbe divided into two main groups: flat springs and torsional springs. Theenclosures that include flat springs typically have the disadvantage ofthe lid only opening to around 90° above closed. While the enclosureswith torsional springs allow the lid to open further, they are verydifficult (and thus more expensive) to assemble.

Additionally, enclosures are sometimes employed to prevent unauthorizedaccess to a device or outlet. Some conventional enclosures can be usedwith a padlock. However the padlock does nothing to prevent anunauthorized person from removing the hinge pin to gain access. It is asignificant disadvantage of all conventional plastic enclosures thatinclude separate hinge pins that the hinge pin can be easily removed,lending the device or outlet exposed and unsecure.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, an electrical outlet cover assembly includes abase comprising a first base hinge aperture and a second base hingeaperture, and a lid comprising a first lid hinge aperture, a second lidhinge aperture, and a lid face bordered by a lid skirt. The lid ishingedly coupled to the base by a first pin rotatably coupled to thefirst base hinge aperture and rotationally fixed with respect to thefirst lid hinge aperture. The lid is also hingedly coupled to the baseby a second pin, separate from the first pin, rotationally fixed withrespect to the second base hinge aperture and rotatably coupled to thesecond lid hinge aperture. The lid is movable, with respect to the base,between a closed position in which the base is contained within the lidskirt and an open position in which an angle between a substantiallyplanar rear surface of the base and a majority of a lower edge of thelid skirt is at least 140°. The lid is biased from the open position tothe closed position by a rotational bias from a bias element directlycoupled to both the first pin and the second pin.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The first pin and the second pin may each comprise teeth. Thefirst lid hinge aperture may be toothed complementary to the teeth ofthe first pin. The second base hinge aperture may be toothedcomplementary to the teeth of the second pin. Each pin of the first pinand the second pin may be slideably movable between an engaged positionin which the teeth of the pin are mated with one of the first lid hingeaperture and the second base hinge aperture and a disengaged position inwhich the pin may be rotatably coupled to both the lid and the base anda relative rotational phase between the first pin and the second pin maybe adjustable through rotation of the pin. Each pin of the first pin andthe second pin may be biased to the engaged position by a linear bias ofthe bias element, and a strength of the rotational bias of the biaselement may change in response to adjustments of the relative rotationalphase between the first pin and the second pin. The angle between thesubstantially planar rear surface of the base and the majority of thelower edge of the lid skirt while the lid is in the open position may be180°. The lid face may comprise a lock aperture extending through thelid face, the base may comprise a lock receiver, and the lock receivermay extend through the lock aperture when the lid is in the closedposition with respect to the base. Finally, each pin of the first pinand the second pin may comprise a pin head having a top surface, and anouter surface of the lid skirt may comprise a countersink for each ofthe first pin and the second pin such that, for each pin head, the topsurface may be substantially level with, or lower than, a majority ofthe outer surface of the lid skirt proximate to the pin head.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electrical outletcover assembly includes a base comprising a first base hinge apertureand a second base hinge aperture, and a lid comprising a first lid hingeaperture, a second lid hinge aperture, and a lid face bordered by a lidskirt. The lid is hingedly coupled to the base by a first pin rotatablycoupled to the first base hinge aperture and rotationally fixed withrespect to the first lid hinge aperture, and a second pin, separate fromthe first pin, rotationally fixed with respect to the second base hingeaperture and rotatably coupled to the second lid hinge aperture. The lidis movable, with respect to the base, between a closed position and anopen position, and is biased from the open position to the closedposition by a rotational bias from a bias element directly coupled toboth the first pin and the second pin. The first pin and the second pineach comprise teeth. The first lid hinge aperture is toothedcomplementary to the teeth of the first pin, and the second base hingeaperture is toothed complementary to the teeth of the second pin. Eachpin of the first pin and the second pin is slideably movable between anengaged position in which the teeth of the pin are mated with one of thefirst lid hinge aperture and the second base hinge aperture and adisengaged position in which the pin is rotatably coupled to both thelid and the base. A relative rotational phase between the first pin andthe second pin is adjustable through rotation of the pin. Each pin ofthe first pin and the second pin are biased to the engaged position by alinear bias of the bias element. A strength of the rotational bias ofthe bias element changes in response to adjustments of the relativerotational phase between the first pin and the second pin.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The lid may further comprise a lid face bordered by a lidskirt, and the base may be contained within the lid skirt when the lidis in the closed position with respect to the base. The lid may furthercomprise a lid face bordered by a lid skirt having a lower edge, and anangle between a substantially planar rear surface of the base and amajority of the lower edge of the lid skirt may be at least 140° whenthe lid is in the open position with respect to the base. The lid mayfurther comprise a lid face bordered by a lid skirt having an outersurface. Each pin of the first pin and the second pin may comprise a pinhead having a top surface, and an outer surface of the lid skirt maycomprise a countersink for each of the first pin and the second pin suchthat, for each pin head, the top surface may be substantially levelwith, or lower than, a majority of the outer surface of the lid skirtproximate to the pin head.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, an electrical outletcover assembly includes a base comprising a first base hinge aperture,and a lid comprising a first lid hinge aperture. The lid is hingedlycoupled to the base by at least a first pin. The first pin is rotatablycoupled to one of the first lid hinge aperture and the first base hingeaperture, and rotationally fixed with respect to the other of the firstlid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture. The lid is biasedfrom an open position to a closed position by a rotational bias from abias element mechanically engaged with an end of the first pin and withan anchor rotationally fixed with respect to one of the lid and thebase.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The first pin may further comprise teeth, and the one of thefirst lid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture to which thefirst pin is rotationally fixed may be toothed complementary to theteeth of the first pin. The other of the first lid hinge aperture andthe first base hinge aperture to which the first pin is rotatablycoupled may be toothless. The first pin may be slideably movable betweenan engaged position in which the teeth of the first pin are mated withthe teeth of one of the first lid hinge aperture and the first basehinge aperture, and a disengaged position in which the first pin may berotatably coupled to both the lid and the base. A relative rotationalphase between the first pin and the anchor may be adjustable throughrotation of the first pin. The first pin may be biased to the engagedposition by a linear bias of the bias element. A strength of therotational bias of the bias element may change in response toadjustments of the relative rotational phase between the first pin andthe anchor. At least a portion of the lid skirt may be between the firstpin and a majority of the base when the lid is in the open position withrespect to the base. The lid may comprise a second lid hinge aperture.The base may comprise a second base hinge aperture, and the anchor maybe a second pin that is separate from the first pin. The bias elementmay be directly coupled to the second pin. The second pin may berotatably coupled to the second hinge aperture of the one of the lid andthe base to which the first pin is rotationally fixed, and may berotationally fixed to the second hinge aperture of the one of the lidand the base to which the first pin is rotatably coupled. The first pinmay comprise a pin head having a top surface. The outer surface of thelid skirt may comprise a countersink for the first pin such that the topsurface may be substantially level with, or lower than, a majority ofthe outer surface of the lid skirt proximate to the first pin.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fullyaware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. Theinventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only theplain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claimsunless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly setforth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differsfrom the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements ofintent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent anddesire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms beapplied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, orthat perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventions will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an electrical outlet coverassembly in an open position;

FIG. 1B is a close-up view of the electrical outlet cover assembly ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an electrical outlet coverassembly in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an electrical outlet cover assemblyin an open position;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an electrical outlet cover assemblyin a closed position;

FIG. 5A is a rear view of a lid;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 5A, along A-A;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 5A, along B-B;

FIG. 6A is a front view of a base;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 6A, along C-C;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 6A, along D-D;

FIG. 7A is a front view of a first pin coupled to a second pin through abias element with a relative rotational bias of 0°;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the first pin, second pin, and bias elementof FIG. 7A, with a relative rotational bias of 90°;

FIG. 8A is a close-up rear view of an electrical outlet cover assemblywith a first pin in an engaged position;

FIG. 8B is a close-up rear view of the electrical outlet cover assemblyof FIG. 8A, with the first pin in a disengaged position;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a first pin coupled to an anchor through abias element; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a first pincoupled to a second pin through a bias element.

FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of an electrical outletcover assembly with a first pin coupled to an anchor through a biaselement.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the base of the electrical outletcover assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the lid of the electrical outletcover assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a close-up rear perspective view of the electrical outletcover assembly of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific material types, components, methods, or other examplesdisclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods,and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particularimplementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, althoughparticular implementations are disclosed, such implementations andimplementing components may comprise any components, models, types,materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the artfor such systems and implementing components, consistent with theintended operation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are usedherein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Anyaspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely forpurposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit orrestrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of thisdisclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad ofadditional or alternate examples of varying scope could have beenpresented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail particular embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit thebroad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1-4 depict perspective views of a non-limiting example of anelectrical outlet cover assembly 100. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated, the electrical outlet cover assembly 100 comprises a lid102, a base 104, a first pin 106, a second pin 108, a bias element 116,a lock receiver 118, and a lock aperture 302, according to variousembodiments. FIGS. 1A and 3 show assembly 100 in an open position 120,while FIGS. 2 and 4 show assembly 100 in a closed position 200.

FIG. 1B shows a close-up view of the non-limiting example of assembly100 shown in FIG. 1A. As shown, the lid 102 is hingedly coupled to thebase 104 by the first pin 106 and the second pin 108, which arepositioned within hinge apertures located on the base 104 and lid 102.The first pin 106 and the second pin 108 are coupled to each other by abias element 116.

Conventional low profile cover assemblies for electrical devices andoutlets often employ a biased hinge to keep the lid closed when theoutlet is not in use. The biased hinge helps prevent the lid from beinginadvertently blown open or accidentally left only partially closed.However, in conventional assemblies, this utility comes at a cost. Thebias elements used by these conventional assemblies can be divided intotwo main groups: flat springs and torsional springs. The assemblies thatinclude flat springs typically have the disadvantage of the lid onlyopening to about 90°. While the enclosures with torsional springs doallow the lid to open further (though not completely), they can be verydifficult (and thus more expensive) to assemble.

Advantageously, an electrical outlet cover assembly 100 may make use ofa torsional bias element 116 without sacrificing ease of assembly or therange of motion of the lid 102, according to various embodiments. Asshown in FIGS. 1-4, the first pin 106 and the second pin 108 are coupledto each other by a bias element 116. One of the pins (here, the firstpin 106) is rotationally fixed with respect to the lid 102, while theother pin (here, the second pin 108) is rotationally fixed with respectto the base 104. Movement of the lid 102 with respect to the base 104 byoperation of the hinge causes the pins to rotate with respect to eachother, twisting the bias element 116, which drives the lid 102 toward aclosed position 200. The pins and bias element 116 will be discussed ingreater detail with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. In particular, the ease ofassembly and adjustment will be discussed with respect to FIG. 7A.

In the non-limiting example depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the first pin 106 isrotationally fixed with respect to the first lid hinge aperture 124 androtatably coupled to the first base hinge aperture 128, while the secondpin 108 is rotatably coupled to the second lid hinge aperture 126 androtationally fixed with respect to the second base hinge aperture 130.For the purpose of clarity, the rest of the non-limiting examplesdepicted in the other Figures, as well as those discussed in thedisclosure, will be configured in a similar fashion. However, it shouldbe noted that in other embodiments, equivalently, the first pin 106 maybe rotationally fixed to the first base hinge aperture 128 and rotatablycoupled to the first lid hinge aperture 124, while the second pin 108may be rotationally fixed to the second lid hinge aperture 126 androtatably coupled to the second base hinge aperture 130.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow,the closed position 200 of an electrical outlet cover assembly 100refers to the lid 102 and the base 104 being positioned relative to eachother such that access to the electrical device is blocked and the lidcannot hinge any closer to the base. In some embodiments, the closedposition 200 may describe a configuration of the base 104 and lid 102wherein a majority of the face 110 of the lid 102 is as close aspossible to a majority of the base 104. In some embodiments, the closedposition 200 may describe a configuration wherein the base 104 iscontained within a lid skirt 112 of the lid 102. The lid 102 will bediscussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, anopen position 120 of an electrical outlet cover assembly 100 refers toany configuration of a lid 102 with respect to the base 104 to which thelid 102 is hingedly coupled which is not in a closed position 200, andmay be associated with an angle.

The use of a torsional bias element 116 allows assembly 100 to openfurther than possible in conventional cover assemblies making use offlat springs. An open position 120 of an assembly 100 may be quantifiedby an angle 300 (see, for example, FIG. 3). In some embodiments, angle300 may refer to the angle between a substantially planar rear surface400 of the base 104 and a majority of a lower edge 114 of the lid skirt112. In other embodiments, an angle 300 associated with an open position120 may refer to the rotational phase of one pin with respect to theother pin, relative to their phase when the assembly 100 is in a closedposition 200. The rotational phases of pins will be discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

In some embodiments, open position 120 may be associated with an angleof at least 140°. In other embodiments, the structure of the hingeapertures of the base 104 may allow for greater angles, even as far as180°. The hinge apertures of the base 104 will be discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C. Additionally, the non-limitingexample of an electrical outlet cover assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4are depicted in a vertical orientation. In other embodiments, theassembly 100 may be oriented in a horizontal fashion, as is known in theart.

The non-limiting examples shown in FIGS. 1-10 depict bias element 116 asa torsional spring. In the context of the present description and theclaims that follow, bias element 116 is a structure that provides bothrotational and linear bias. More specifically, according to variousembodiments, bias element 116 provides rotational bias that resistsrotation or twisting about an axis, and also linear bias that resistsstretching or compressing along that same axis. Bias element 116 may becomposed of any material known in the art for coil springs or otherbiasing or tensioning devices. The role of bias element 116 will bediscussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 7A and 8A.

Conventional low profile cover assemblies for electrical devices andoutlets use small hinge features that may be easily broken. Furthermore,while state-of-the-art cover assemblies may be configured to receive apadlock, the small hinge features and/or separate hinge pins remainvulnerable to mechanical failure. Advantageously, cover assembly 100makes use of more robust pins and hinge apertures, as will be discussedin greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5-7.

Additionally, the linear bias 802 of bias element 116 may serve toprevent the separate hinge pins (e.g. first pin 106, second pin 108)from being removed. The linear bias 802 will be discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B. In some embodiments, the lid 102and pins may be shaped such that access is difficult when the assembly100 is in a closed position 200. See, for example, the non-limitingexample shown in FIG. 1B. As shown, the pins each comprise a head 132having a top surface 134. The outer surface 136 of the lid skirt 112 hasa countersink 138 around each pin, such that the top surfaces 134 areflush with the outer surface 136, inhibiting access to the pins. In someembodiments, the countersinks 138 may have a notch pointed toward thelower edge 114 of the lid skirt 114. In this way, the pins may be easyto access when the assembly 100 is in an open position 120 (e.g.authorized access), but are flush with the skirt (and thus hard toaccess) when the assembly 100 is in a closed position 200.

Embodiments of an electrical outlet cover assembly 100, and implementingcomponents, may be composed of a wide variety of materials known in theart. For example, the components may be formed of: metals; polymers suchas thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide;Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like); thermosets(such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone,and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials.Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily be able to selectappropriate materials and manufacture these products from thedisclosures provided herein.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict a non-limiting example of a lid 102. Specifically,FIG. 5A is a rear view of a lid 102 (i.e. the inside of the lid), whileFIGS. 5B and 5C show cross-sectional views of lid 102 along the linesA-A and B-B of FIG. 5A, respectively. As shown, the lid 102 has a lidface 110 which may be bordered by a lid skirt 112, as well as a firstlid hinge aperture 124, a second lid hinge aperture 126, and a lockaperture 302, according to various embodiments.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, alid face 110 refers to the portion of the lid 102 that is, on average,roughly parallel to the base 104, while the lid skirt 112 refers to theportion of the lid 102 that borders the lid face 110 and runs towardsthe base 104. In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the lidface 110 is slightly curved and makes up the majority of the lid 102,while the lid skirt 112 runs roughly perpendicular to the base 104 andmeets the lid face 110 at a rounded corner of roughly 90 degrees. Insome embodiments, the boundary between the lid face 110 and the lidskirt 112 may be clearly defined (e.g. a corner, etc.), while in otherembodiments, the lid face 110 may smoothly transition into the lid skirt112 without any well defined corners, to minimize the possibility thatsomething will catch on the low profile enclosure 100. As shown, the lidface 110 may be curved. In other embodiments, the lid face 110 may beflat, or take on any other shape adapted for a particular use (e.g. lidface 110 may be shaped to fit a particular electrical device or outlet,etc.).

As shown, the lid skirt 112 has a lower edge 114 that extends around theskirt. In some embodiments, the lower edge 114 may be essentiallyplanar, and the skirt 112 may be sized such that when assembly 100 is ina closed position 200, the base 104 is entirely enclosed within the lid102. This may be advantageous for preventing unauthorized access to theinside of the enclosure. In other embodiments, including thenon-limiting example shown in FIG. 2, a part of the base 104 may stillbe visible when the assembly 100 is in a closed position 200.

According to various embodiments, the lid 102 comprises a first lidhinge aperture 124 and a second lid hinge aperture 126. As previouslydiscussed, the first pin 106 is rotationally fixed with respect to thefirst lid hinge aperture 124. In some embodiments, the first pin 106 maybe permanently or semi-permanently coupled inside the first lid hingeaperture such that it is rotationally fixed through any of the variousmethods known in the art, such as welding, adhesives, or the like. Inother embodiments, the first pin 106 may be releasably coupled to thefirst lid hinge aperture 124. For example, in FIGS. 1-4, the first pin106 comprises teeth 122, and the first lid hinge aperture also comprisesteeth 122 complementary to those of the first pin 106 (see, for example,FIG. 5B). When the teeth 122 of the pin are engaged within the first lidhinge aperture 124, the first pin 106 is rotationally fixed.

As previously discussed, the second pin 108 is rotatably coupled to thesecond lid hinge aperture 126. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the first andsecond lid hinge apertures may be part of the lid skirt 112. In otherembodiments, the first and second lid hinge apertures may be situatedelsewhere. In various embodiments, the lid 102 may comprise additionalhinge apertures to provide additional strength to the assembly 100. Insome embodiments, the lid may only have one hinge aperture. Suchembodiments will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 9.

The non-limiting example of a lid 102 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C furthercomprises a lock aperture 302. The lock aperture 302 may be sized toallow the passage of a lock receiver 118 located on the base 103 to passthrough when the assembly 100 is in a closed position 200. In someembodiments, the lock aperture 302 may simply be an opening in the lid102. In other embodiments, the lock aperture 302 may include additionalstructure inside the lid 102 to isolate the interior of the assemblyfrom the exterior while still allowing a lock receiver 118 to passthrough.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict a non-limiting example of a base 104. Specifically,FIG. 6A is a front view of a base 104, while FIGS. 6B and 6C showcross-sectional views of base 104 along the lines C-C and D-D of FIG.6A, respectively. As shown, the base 104 comprises a first base hingeaperture 128, a second base hinge aperture 130, a lock receiver 118, anda rear surface 400, according to various embodiments.

As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the second pin 108 may berotationally fixed with respect to the base 104. In the non-limitingexamples shown in the Figures, the second base hinge aperture 130 istoothed complimentary to teeth 122 on the second pin 108. In someembodiments, the base 104 may further comprise additional hingeapertures to provide stability and strength to the hinge.

As shown in the cross-sectional views depicted in FIGS. 6B and 6C, thebase hinge apertures may be located away from the rest of the base 104,and connected to the rest of the base 104 through an upper supportmember such that a space or void exists between at least part of theaperture and the rest of the base 104. This may be advantageous, as thespace allows the lid 102 to open fully (e.g. 180 degrees) with respectto the base 104, as the lid skirt 112 is able to rotate into the void.

In use, electrical outlet cover assembly 100 may be attached to anobject proximate to an electrical outlet through the base 104. In someembodiments, a base 104 may be configured to receive an adapter, such asadapter 121 of FIG. 1. Adapters 121 may be configured to receive one ormore of various types of electrical outlets or devices known in the art.The object proximate to the electrical outlet may comprise variousitems, such as a wall, a ceiling, or a floor in a house, an outcroppingor island (such as a kitchen island) in a house, another structure in ahouse, a portion of a vehicle, a portion of a machine, an electricaloutlet mounting box or any other item. According to various embodiments,the assembly 100 may be attached by screws, bolts, nails, or the likewhich pass through holes in the base 104. Advantageously, the points ofattachment may be contained within the lid 102 when the assembly 100 isin a closed position, preventing unauthorized access.

According to various embodiments, base 104 (as well as lid 102) may besized and configured for use with electrical outlets and devices thatvary in type (e.g. standard outlet, GCFI outlet, etc.) and number (e.g.1-gang, 2-gang, etc.). In one particular implementation, the base 104may comprise an adaptable plate comprising removable or punch-outportions allowing it to adapt to various types of electrical outlets.For instance the adaptable plate may be adaptable to receive a standardoutlet, or a GCFI outlet, and so forth, according to the portions of theadaptable plate that are selectively punched out or removed. As such,the base 104 may be manufactured such that the opening is not formeduntil the user punches out or removes certain portions of the adaptableplate. In other embodiments, the base 104 may be configured at the timeof manufacture to receive a particular size and type of outlet ordevice.

As shown, the base 104 may comprise a lock receiver 118 configured foruse with a padlock to secure the lid 102 in a closed position 200. Insome embodiments, the lock receiver 118 may be an integral part of thebase 104. In other embodiments, the lock receiver 118 may be a separatepiece. As a specific example, lock receiver 118 may be constructed outof a strong material, such as a metal, and may further comprise one ormore holes for receiving screws or other fasteners. This may fortify thelock receiver 118, an obvious target for achieving unauthorized accessto the inside of the assembly 100, against mechanical failure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a non-limiting example of a first pin 106directly coupled to a second pin 108 by a bias element 116 whichprovides rotational bias 700. If we define FIG. 7A as showing the pinshaving a relative rotational phase 702 of 0 degrees, then FIG. 7B is anon-limiting example of the first and second pins having a relativerotational phase 702 of 90 degrees.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, arelative rotational phase 702 between a first pin 106 and a second pin108 refers to the relative rotational offset of the first pin 106 withrespect to the second pin 108 in comparison to a neutral configuration(e.g. the configuration associated with the removal of any forceopposing the rotational bias 700). In some embodiments, where the biaselement 116 is a torsional spring, the strength of the rotational bias700 may increase with the magnitude of the relative rotational phase702.

According to various embodiments, the first pin 106 and the second pin108 may comprise teeth 122 configured to engage hinge apertures in thelid 102 and base 104. In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 7A and7B, the first pin 106 is designed to engage with teeth inside of thefirst lid hinge aperture 124, and the second pin 108 is designed toengage with teeth inside of the second base hinge aperture 130. As shownin previous Figures, the base hinge apertures may be situated furtherinside the assembly 100 than lid hinge apertures. As such, the teeth 122may be longer on the second pin 108 than on the first 106, according tovarious embodiments. In other embodiments, the first pin 106 and thesecond pin 108 may be identical, each having teeth which may reach theinnermost hinge apertures which have teeth, with the appropriate hingeapertures sized to be rotatably coupled to the teeth of the pin.

In other embodiments, such as the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 10,a pin intended to be rotationally fixed with respect to an inner hingeaperture (e.g. the second pin 108, etc.) may comprise a round bearing1000 to facilitate being rotatably coupled to an outer hinge aperture.In this way, the hinge aperture, which may be constructed of a plastic,is less likely to be worn down by the rotating teeth of a pin.

One of the advantages of the disclosed assembly 100 over the prior artis the ease of assembly. According to various embodiments, the biaselement 116 may provide a linear bias 802 in addition to a rotationalbias 700. Some embodiments may take advantage of this linear bias; asshown in FIG. 7B the pins couple with the bias element 116 by receivinghooked ends of the bias element 116 through holes in the ends of thepins. The holes may be made large enough to easily receive the hookedends, relying upon the linear bias to prevent unintentional decouplingof the pins from the bias element.

Unlike the electrical device cover assemblies in the prior art, thehinge bias of assembly 100 may be adjustable. FIGS. 8A and 8B show aclose-up rear view of a non-limiting example of assembly 100 with thefirst pin 106 in an engaged and disengaged position, respectively. Inthe context of the present description and the claims that follow, anengaged position of a pin refers to the teeth of the pin being engagedwith the teeth inside a hinge aperture. Similarly, a disengaged positionof a pin refers to the pin being removed far enough from the hingeaperture that the teeth of the pin no longer engage with the teethinside a hinge aperture.

According to various embodiments, the rotational bias provided by thebias element 116 may be adjusted. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and8B, one pin (e.g. first pin 106) may be pulled out until it is in adisengaged position 804, and then rotated to modify the relativerotational phase 702 of the pins and adjust the rotational bias. Oncethe desired rotational bias has been achieved, the pin may be put backinto the assembly into an engaged position 800. The linear bias 802provided by the bias element 116 may serve to prevent accidentallyputting a pin in a disengaged position 804. Having an adjustablerotational bias is advantageous over the prior art as it may reduce thereject rate during manufacturing (e.g. bias may be increased in caseswhere the lid is not closing, etc.).

In some embodiments, an assembly 100 may make use of a first pin 106 anda second pin 108. In other embodiments, an assembly 100 may make use ofa single pin in conjunction with some form of pivot (e.g. a pin, rivet,screw, peg, etc.). See, for example, FIG. 9, which depicts anon-limiting example of a first pin 106 directly coupled to an anchor900 through a bias element 116. In the context of the presentdescription and the claims that follow, and anchor 900 refers to astructure configured to couple with a bias element 116 and is fixedlycoupled to either the lid 102 or the base 104. As a specific example, ananchor 900 may be an integral part of the base 104, and thereby servingthe role of a second pin rotationally fixed with respect to the base.

The anchor 900 may be boss attached to the lid 102 or the base 104,according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the anchor 900 maybe an integral part of the base 104 or the lid 102. For example, theanchor 900 may be a hole in part of the base 104 that is sized toreceive a hook on the end of a bias element 116.

FIGS. 11-14 depict perspective views of a non-limiting example of anelectrical outlet cover assembly 100 which makes use of a single pin inconjunction with a pivot. In the embodiment illustrated, the electricaloutlet cover assembly 100 comprises a lid 102, a base 104, a first pin106, a bias element 116, an anchor 900, and a peg 1104. FIG. 11 is anexploded front perspective view of assembly 100 and illustrates thedifferent components of a particular embodiment of assembly 100. Theassembly 100 includes the bias element 116, which has two hooks, with afirst hook 1108 of the two hooks on one end of the bias element 116 anda second hook 1110 on opposite end of the bias element 116.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the base 104. The first base hingeaperture 128 has a base pivot axis 1100 about which the lid 102 rotatesto move between the open position 120 and the closed position 200. Thepeg 1104 may function as the pivot and be axially aligned with the basepivot axis 1100. The peg 1104 may alternatively be a pin, screw, rivet,or other pivot configured to couple with the second lid hinge aperture126. The anchor 900 may have an aperture 1102 that is configured toreceive the second hook 1110 of the bias element 116. The aperture 1102may be an elongated, oval shape or any other shape.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the lid 102. The lid 102 comprisesa first lid hinge aperture 124, a second lid hinge aperture 126, a lidpivot axis 1106, a lid face 110, and a lid skirt 112. The lid pivot axis1106 may be axially aligned with the first lid hinge aperture 124 andthe second lid hinge aperture 126. The lid 102 may be hingedly coupledto the base 104 by the first pin 106. The first pin 106 may be rotatablyand axially coupled to the first base hinge aperture 128 along the basepivot axis 1100 and rotationally fixed with respect to the first lidhinge aperture 124. The peg 1104 may be rotatably coupled to the secondlid hinge aperture 126 and axially aligned with the lid pivot axis 1106.When the lid 102 is coupled to the base 104, the lid pivot axis 1106 andthe base pivot axis 100 are aligned and the lid 102 rotates about thelid pivot axis 1106 and the base pivot axis 100 when moving between theclosed position 200 and the open position 120.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close-up rear perspective view of the hingedportion of the electrical outlet cover assembly 100. In the embodimentillustrated, the anchor 900 is fixedly attached to the base 104 and thefirst pin 106 is rotationally fixed with respect to the lid 102. Inother embodiments, the anchor 900 may be fixedly attached to the lid 102and the first pin may be rotationally fixed with respect to the base104. The first hook 1108 and the second hook 1110 of the bias element116 may have a free-hanging tip (not shown) that may be inserted into anaperture configured to receive the hook. Alternatively, the hook may bea loop which couples with other components, but does not have afree-hanging tip. For example, a portion of the first pin 106 or theanchor 900 may have a lipped notch configured to hold a loop. Thus, thefirst hook 1108 and the second hook 1110 of the bias element 116 may beany shape or take any form that is capable of coupling with the anchor900 or the first pin 106.

Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations referenceexamples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat other electrical outlet cover assemblies and manufacturing methodsand examples could be intermixed or substituted with those provided. Inplaces where the description above refers to particular embodiments ofelectrical outlet cover assemblies, it should be readily apparent that anumber of modifications may be made without departing from the spiritthereof and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied toother to cover assemblies as well. Accordingly, the disclosed subjectmatter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure andthe knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical outlet cover assembly, comprising:a base comprising a first base hinge aperture with a base pivot axis, ananchor having an elongated aperture, and a peg axially aligned with thebase pivot axis; and a lid comprising a first lid hinge aperture and asecond lid hinge aperture comprising a lid pivot axis, and a lid facebordered by a lid skirt, the lid hingedly coupled to the base by a firstpin rotatably and axially coupled to the first base hinge aperture alongthe base pivot axis and the lid pivot axis and rotationally fixed withrespect to the first lid hinge aperture, and the peg rotatably coupledto the second lid hinge aperture and axially aligned with the lid pivotaxis, the first pin removable from both the first lid hinge aperture andthe first base hinge aperture; wherein the lid is pivotable, withrespect to the base, between a closed position in which the base iscontained within the lid skirt, and an open position in which an anglebetween a substantially planar rear surface of the base and a majorityof a lower edge of the lid skirt is at least 140°; and wherein the lidis biased from the open position to the closed position by a rotationalbias from a bias element having two hooks, wherein a first hook of thetwo hooks is directly coupled to the first pin and a second hook of thetwo hooks is directly coupled to the elongated aperture of the anchor.2. The electrical outlet cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstpin comprises teeth, the first lid hinge aperture is toothedcomplementary to the teeth of the first pin, the first pin is slideablymovable between an engaged position in which the teeth of the first pinare mated with the first lid hinge aperture and a disengaged position inwhich the first pin is rotatably coupled to both the lid and the baseand a relative rotational phase between the first pin and the anchor isadjustable through rotation of the first pin, and wherein the first pinis biased to the engaged position by a linear bias of the bias element,and a strength of the rotational bias of the bias element changes inresponse to adjustments of the relative rotational phase between thefirst pin and the anchor.
 3. The electrical outlet cover assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the angle between the substantially planar rear surfaceof the base and the majority of the lower edge of the lid skirt whilethe lid is in the open position is 180°.
 4. The electrical outlet coverassembly of claim 1 wherein the lid face comprises a lock apertureextending through the lid face, the base comprises a lock receiver, andthe lock receiver extends through the lock aperture when the lid is inthe closed position with respect to the base.
 5. The electrical outletcover assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pin comprises a pin headhaving a top surface, and an outer surface of the lid skirt comprises acountersink such that the top surface is substantially level with, orlower than, a majority of the outer surface of the lid skirt proximateto the pin head.
 6. An electrical outlet cover assembly, comprising: abase comprising a first base hinge aperture and an anchor; and a lidcomprising a first lid hinge aperture, the lid hingedly coupled to thebase by a first pin rotatably and axially coupled to the first basehinge aperture along a base pivot axis and a lid pivot axis androtationally fixed with respect to the first lid hinge aperture, thefirst pin removable from both the first lid hinge aperture and the firstbase hinge aperture; wherein the lid is pivotable, with respect to thebase, between a closed position and an open position, and is biased fromthe open position to the closed position by a rotational bias from abias element directly coupled to both the first pin and the anchor;wherein the first pin comprises teeth, the first lid hinge aperture istoothed complementary to the teeth of the first pin, the first pin isslideably movable between an engaged position in which the teeth of thefirst pin are mated with the first lid hinge aperture and a disengagedposition in which the first pin is rotatably coupled to both the lid andthe base and a relative rotational phase between the first pin and theanchor is adjustable through rotation of the pin, and wherein the firstpin is biased to the engaged position by a linear bias of the biaselement, and a strength of the rotational bias of the bias elementchanges in response to adjustments of the relative rotational phasebetween the first pin and the anchor.
 7. The electrical outlet coverassembly of claim 6, wherein the lid further comprises a lid facebordered by a lid skirt, and the base is contained within the lid skirtwhen the lid is in the closed position with respect to the base.
 8. Theelectrical outlet cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the lid furthercomprises a lid face bordered by a lid skirt having a lower edge, and anangle between a substantially planar rear surface of the base and amajority of the lower edge of the lid skirt is at least 140° when thelid is in the open position with respect to the base.
 9. The electricaloutlet cover assembly of claim 8, wherein the angle between thesubstantially planar rear surface of the base and the majority of thelower edge of the lid skirt while the lid is in the open position is180°.
 10. The electrical outlet cover assembly of claim 6, wherein thelid face comprises a lock aperture extending through the lid face, thebase comprises a lock receiver, and the lock receiver extends throughthe lock aperture when the lid is in the closed position with respect tothe base.
 11. The electrical outlet cover assembly of claim 6, whereinthe lid further comprises a lid face bordered by a lid skirt having anouter surface, and wherein the first pin comprises a pin head having atop surface, and an outer surface of the lid skirt comprises acountersink for the first pin such that the top surface is substantiallylevel with, or lower than, a majority of the outer surface of the lidskirt proximate to the pin head.
 12. An electrical outlet coverassembly, comprising: a base comprising a first base hinge aperture; anda lid comprising a first lid hinge aperture, the lid hingedly coupled tothe base by at least a first pin, the first pin rotatably coupled to oneof the first lid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture, androtationally fixed with respect to the other of the first lid hingeaperture and the first base hinge aperture; wherein the lid is biasedfrom an open position to a closed position by a rotational bias from abias element mechanically engaged with an end of the first pin and withan anchor rotationally fixed with respect to one of the lid and thebase.
 13. The electrical outlet cover assembly of claim 12, wherein thefirst pin further comprises teeth, the one of the first lid hingeaperture and the first base hinge aperture to which the first pin isrotationally fixed is toothed complementary to the teeth of the firstpin, and the other of the first lid hinge aperture and the first basehinge aperture to which the first pin is rotatably coupled is toothless,the first pin is slideably movable between an engaged position in whichthe teeth of the first pin are mated with the teeth of one of the firstlid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture, and a disengagedposition in which the first pin is rotatably coupled to both the lid andthe base and a relative rotational phase between the first pin and theanchor is adjustable through rotation of the first pin, and wherein thefirst pin is biased to the engaged position by a linear bias of the biaselement, and a strength of the rotational bias of the bias elementchanges in response to adjustments of the relative rotational phasebetween the first pin and the anchor.
 14. The electrical outlet coverassembly of claim 12, wherein the lid further comprises a lid facebordered by a lid skirt, and the base is contained within the lid skirtwhen the lid is in the closed position with respect to the base.
 15. Theelectrical outlet cover assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portionof the lid skirt is between the first pin and a majority of the basewhen the lid is in the open position with respect to the base.
 16. Theelectrical outlet cover assembly of claim 12, wherein: the lid furthercomprises a lid face bordered by a lid skirt having a lower edge, and anangle between a substantially planar rear surface of the base and amajority of the lower edge of the lid skirt is at least 140° when thelid is in the open position with respect to the base.
 17. The electricaloutlet cover assembly of claim 16, wherein the angle between thesubstantially planar rear surface of the base and the majority of thelower edge of the lid skirt while the lid is in the open position is180°.
 18. The electrical outlet cover assembly of claim 12, wherein thefirst base hinge aperture has a base pivot axis, the base furthercomprises a peg axially aligned with the base pivot axis, the lidfurther comprises a second lid hinge aperture having a lid pivot axis,and the peg is rotatably coupled to the second lid hinge aperture andaxially aligned with the lid pivot axis.
 19. The electrical outlet coverassembly of claim 12 wherein the lid face comprises a lock apertureextending through the lid face, the base comprises a lock receiver, andthe lock receiver extends through the lock aperture when the lid is inthe closed position with respect to the base.
 20. The electrical outletcover assembly of claim 12, wherein the first pin comprises a pin headhaving a top surface, and an outer surface of the lid skirt comprises acountersink for the first pin such that the top surface is substantiallylevel with, or lower than, a majority of the outer surface of the lidskirt proximate to the first pin.